Companies are now increasingly turning to online job interviews for screening and shortlisting candidates. With virtual interviews becoming the new reality, it is important to familiarize yourself with the new virtual interview process.
The interview may be a live interview or recorded interview, sometimes it is a telephonic interview. It is similar to the face-to-face interview process. In the live interview, you can talk to the interviewer through software such as Skype, Zoom, GoTo Meeting, and Google Hangouts. In the recorded interview, you have to record the video answers to the questions which the interviewer already sent you. The questions are similar in an online and face-to-face interview and you have to give the specific answers and be polite and professional.
The virtual interview process can feel a bit daunting, so to reduce stress and to face the interview, use the below tips.
Few key points to avoid common mistakes during the virtual job interview:
1. Bad camera focus:
Check your camera to ensure that it is functioning properly and placed correctly before you get started. You don’t want to be out of the picture as soon as your interview starts and setting the camera in front of the interviewer is maybe a bad idea and it shows how unplanned and unorganized you are, so set your camera and it should focus on your face. Check the audio and video quality of the camera beforehand.
2. Poor connectivity:
Poor connectivity can spoil your entire interview process. The date and time are already fixed so check you have a strong internet connection, good video, and audio quality to avoid the last-minute problems. Set up a few minutes before the interview starts, so you don’t need to rush at the last minute.
3.Wrong dressing:
Though it is an online interview, you still need to dress up professionally and not in your daily casual dress. The candidate thinks that the interviewer cannot see them completely, so it’s okay to wear casually but remember "the first impression is the last impression." Dress up as you are going for a face to face interview because dressing professionally makes you feel more confident and focused. Men can wear a formal shirt or blazer, while women should wear a dress or skirt and formal shirt.
4. Inappropriate eye contact:
The virtual interview will limit communication through body language, so it’s important to maintain eye contact for proper communication. Instead of looking around, the best way is to look at the interview while answering the question. This will make an interview interactive. Ensure that you are not staring at one place. Research shows that employers are more likely to remember what you said if you maintain eye contact, so be sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera instead of staring at the screen of the interviewer.
5.Bad postures:
Many candidates are not aware of how to maintain body language or body movement through online video interviews and end up with a bad impression. Your body posture says a lot about your personality. During the video interviews, sit up straight and comfortable, maintain eye contact, and smile often in between the conversation. Make the conversation look natural by slight hand gestures and nod to look attentive.
6.Too many distractions:
It is common to get distracted by phone calls, kids playing around, neighbors, and maybe unexpected guests as you are attending the interview from home. The interview date and time are already set so arrange the things beforehand. Pick a place with optimal lighting, quiet surrounding, clean, and look like a professional. Inform your family members that your interview, so no one can disturb you during the interview. Use earphones for a clear voice and to avoid distractions.
Planning and preparation are the keys to an online interview, so prepare well before the virtual job interview to avoid the common mistake. With these tips, you will make a good impression on the hiring person and one step closure to grab the opportunity.
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